SR1342 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1342 LRB098 21827 MST 60684 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Pearline Ruby (nee Jones) Cunigan; and

WHEREAS, Pearline Cunigan was born in Memphis, Tennessee on August 5, 1921 to Leroy, Sr. and Hattie Jones; at the age of 8, she and her family settled in Chicago; she graduated from Felsenthal Elementary School in 1935 and from Wendell Phillips Academy High School in 1939; she studied at Washburne Trade School, Woodrow Wilson Junior College, Roosevelt University, and Central YMCA College; in 1948, she married Donald Nolan; her first marriage ended and she married Jacey Cunigan on September 5, 1975; and

WHEREAS, Pearline Cunigan worked for 30 years for Maremont Automotives, where she served as treasurer of its credit union and as a union representative; she later worked in a clerical capacity for the Chicago Office of the Veterans Administration; she was also an administrative assistant to the late Illinois State Senator Margaret Smith; while working in Senator Smith's office she became friends with Sandra Douglas and Felton Mitchell and remained close to them until her passing; and

WHEREAS, Pearline Cunigan was baptized at the age of 13 and was active in the church throughout her life; she was a charter member of Bethsaida Missionary Baptist Church in August of 1967; she served as the first financial secretary, member of the Margaret Smith Circle, member of the Phoebe Circle of the Missionary Department, Sunday school teacher, member of the Board of Christian Education, member of the Baptist Training Union, instructor of Religious Education, and supervisor of the Children's Church Work Department; she directed hundreds of children's programs and chaired many milestone events for the church, including anniversary celebrations, fashion shows, "3:30 programs", and trailblazing luncheons and dinners for fundraising efforts; she developed weekly church bulletins, certificates, posters, banners, and program booklets; her Sunday outfits, with coordinating hats, were the envy of every church lady's eye; and

WHEREAS, Pearline Cunigan was a member of the Bella Donna Social Club for over 50 years; she enjoyed planning and giving parties, cooking, bowling, ballroom dancing, singing, love stories, and daily talks on the phone with her brother; and

WHEREAS, Pearline Cunigan was preceded in death by her parents and her husband; and

WHEREAS, Pearline Cunigan is survived by her brother, Leroy Jones, Jr.; her niece and goddaughter, Linda Mitchell (Richard, Sr.); nieces, Debra Milton (Arlester, Sr.), Yvonne Raymond, Carolyn Hopkins (Darnell), and Janice Wilson; nephews, Kenneth Fletcher, Daniel Fletcher (Delvetta), David Fletcher (Josephine), George Wilson (Valerie), and Benjamin Clark (Karen); many dear and life-long friends; her church family of Bethsaida Missionary Baptist Church; and a host of other relatives and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Pearline Ruby Cunigan, and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Pearline Cunigan as an expression of our deepest sympathy.